Can’t imagine a party without tea? If you already tried green tea shots, white tea could be next on your to-try list. Even though white tea is usually delicate, it may offer some really interesting flavor notes that pair well with some alcoholic drinks. Learn how to make easy homemade white tea shots.
What is in a white tea shot?
Compared to other types of tea, white tea is the least processed type with the most delicate and gentle flavor. There are only a few types of white tea, and some are not suitable for blending with other ingredients. The best tea for making a white tea shot is either a strongly brewed White Peony or stronger and darker Shou Mei or Gong Mei white tea.
White Peony of Pai Mu Tan has a gentle flavor too, but it you steep it longer with hotter water, you will get a strong and aromatic cup with notes of honey, freshly dried hay and maybe a slight smokiness or spiciness. Because white tea is so gentle, the choice of alcohol matters too. The best options are vodka, white rum or gin. They won’t have an overpowering flavor and will blend well even with the most delicate teas.
Pai Mu Tan or White Peony white tea Other ingredients that blend well with white tea are spices such as black pepper, cardamom, star anise, cinnamon and juniper berries, sweet ingredients such as lighter honey or fruit syrups and citrusy fruits. Dried flowers are a great choice too.
Ingredients You Need
For making a simple white tea shot you will need white tea leaves, juniper berries, gin and a few drops of a citrusy fruit juice. We chose a seasonal kumquat fruit and white peony tea leaves. Feel free to replace kumquat with lime or a few drops of lemon or grapefruit. Kumquats are more sour than lime, so lemons may be a better replacement if you want a more similar flavor.
You will need small glasses to serve your shots too. Glasses that can be frozen before serving are a great choice too. You will also need ice and a cocktail shaker.
Adding spices to gin is not mandatory, but it will add an interesting note to your these white tea shots. We chose juniper berries that are typically used for making gin. Try adding dried rose petals or black pepper if you want a different flavor profile.
White Tea Shot Recipe
This recipe will give at least 6 small shots, depending on the size of glasses.
Add a few juniper berries to the bottle of gin and leave it in the fridge overnight.
Bring fresh spring water to a boil.
Use about 1 spoon of white tea leaves per cup of water.
Steep the tea for 3 minutes at 194°
Strain into a cup and let it cool down for 10 minutes.
Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
Add 30-50 ml of gin and 1 cup of strained and cooled white tea into the shaker.
Squeeze the juice of 2-3 kumquats.
Shake for a few seconds.
Pour the drink into shot glasses.
Serve immediately.
If you don’t have a shaker, you can cool the tea in the fridge or use freezer if needed. Then add about 2-3 teaspoons of gin into each glass. Add a few drops of freshly squeezed kumquat juice. Top up with white tea.
Pairs Well With Gin usually pairs well with seafood or cheese. Serve it with a rich cheese board or prawn cocktail salad or sandwiches. As these white tea shots are not super strong, they will be great for an evening cocktail parties when you want to include an unusual and easy to make drink containing tea. Want to make more alcoholic drinks using tea? Check out our green tea shots made with real green tea, Jameson whiskey and lime.